Compositions With Reduced Bitter Taste Perception

ABSTRACT

A composition with reduced bitterness containing polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a lowmolecular weight polyquaternium to modulate bitterness, moreparticularly a low level of polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18 to modulate bitterness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are five recognized taste sensations, sweet, salty, sour, bitter,and umami. Many people dislike things that are overly bitter andperceive it is as unpleasant, sharp, or otherwise disagreeable.Bitterness is the most sensitive of the tastes and it is thought to be adefense mechanism to protect the body against ingestion of toxicsubstances, as a large number of natural bitter compounds are known tobe toxic.

However some components that are commonly found in foods, beverages,pharmaceuticals, and oral care compositions can have a bitter taste.Sweeteners, salt (including sodium chloride), and flavors are commonlyused to mute the bitterness in these compositions. Despite theseefforts, many compositions still possess an unpleasant taste and/orafter taste. This causes some consumers to avoid and/or dislike takingthe composition.

Thus, there is a need for a composition with reduced bitterness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composition with reduced bitterness comprising a polyquaterniumselected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, and combinations thereof.

A composition with reduced bitterness comprising: (b) a polyquaterniumselected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, and combinations thereof; and (b)a bitter component selected from the group consisting of Hops,guaifenesin, phenytoin, omeprazole, cetirizine, jambu, acetaminophen,methyl formyl anthranilate, 2-aminoacetophenone, methyl anthranilate,dimethyl anthranilate, beta-terpineol, beta-naphthyl anthranilate, andbenzoyl anthranilic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline, saccharin, and propyleneglycol, benzamide, brucine, 1,10-phenanthroline, and combinationsthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, itis believed that the invention can be more readily understood from thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows the molecular structure for polyquaternium-2;

FIG. 1B shows the molecular structure for polyquaternium-17;

FIG. 1C shows the molecular structure for polyquaternium-18;

FIG. 2A compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions withdifferent water soluble polymers in an Assay for Taste Receptors;

FIG. 2B compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions withdifferent water soluble polymers in an Assay for Taste Receptors;

FIG. 2C compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions withdifferent water soluble polymers and actives in an Assay for TasteReceptors;

FIG. 3 compares the modulation of bitterness of different strains ofhops with polyquaternium-2 in an Assay for Taste Receptors;

FIG. 4A compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 4B compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 4C compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 5A compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 5B compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 5C compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing acomposition and a concentration of polyquaternium-2 in an Assay forTaste Receptors;

FIG. 6 compares the modulation of bitterness of full formulationscontaining one or more actives and excipients in an Assay for TasteReceptors;

FIG. 7 shows the Descriptive Profile Panel (DPP) bitter intensity of sixdifferent compositions containing a high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) baseand different concentrations of polyquaternium-2; and

FIG. 8 shows the Descriptive Profile Panel (DPP) bitter intensity of twoexamples that both contain four actives and one example containspolyquaternium-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compositions, including many foods, beverages, medicines, and oral carecomposition, have a bitter taste associated with them. It has beensurprisingly found that polyquaternium-2 can significantly modulate thebitterness in these compositions.

Several polymers, including other polyquats, were tested in vitro tastebud cell assays to determine whether they may serve as a bitter blocker.Polyquaternium-2 modulated the bitterness of guaifenesin (GG) in thecell assays better than any other polymer, including the polyquats whichhave a similar chemical structure. Polyquaternium-17 and/orpolyquaternium-18 are structurally analogous to polyquaternium-2 and canbe used instead of or in combination with polyquaternium-2. GG, a drugused in over-the-counter medication, was selected as a compound forscreening bitter blockers because it is known for being exceptionallybitter and difficult to taste mask with sweeteners and flavors.

Surprisingly, it has been found that polyquaternium-2 can modulate thebitterness in many compositions. In some examples, the polyquaternium-2can be included in the composition at less than about 0.2%.

All percentages and ratios used hereinafter are by weight of totalcomposition, unless otherwise indicated. All percentages, ratios, andlevels of ingredients referred to herein are based on the actual amountof the ingredient, and do not include solvents, fillers, or othermaterials with which the ingredient may be combined as a commerciallyavailable product, unless otherwise indicated.

All measurements referred to herein are made at 25° C. (i.e. roomtemperature) unless otherwise specified.

The composition can contain, consist of, or consist essentially of, theessential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, aswell as any additional or optional ingredients, components, orlimitations described herein or otherwise useful in compositions.

As used herein, the word “include,” and its variants, are intended to benon-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to theexclusion of other like items that may also be useful in the materials,compositions, devices, and methods of this invention.

As used herein, the word “or” when used as a connector of two or moreelements is meant to include the elements individually and incombination; for example X or Y, means X or Y or both.

By “oral care composition”, as used herein, is meant a product, which inthe ordinary course of usage, is not intentionally swallowed forpurposes of systemic administration of particular therapeutic agents,but is rather retained in the oral cavity for a time sufficient tocontact dental surfaces or oral tissues. Examples of oral carecompositions can include dentifrice, mouth rinse, mousse, foam, mouthspray, lozenge, chewable tablet, chewing gum, tooth whitening strips,floss and floss coatings, breath freshening dissolvable strips, ordenture care or adhesive product. The oral care composition may also beincorporated onto strips or films for direct application or attachmentto oral surfaces.

The term “dentifrice”, as used herein, includes tooth orsubgingival-paste, gel, or liquid formulations unless otherwisespecified. The dentifrice composition may be a single phase compositionor may be a combination of two or more separate dentifrice compositions.The dentifrice composition may be in any desired form, such as deepstriped, surface striped, multilayered, having a gel surrounding apaste, or any combination thereof. Each dentifrice composition in adentifrice comprising two or more separate dentifrice compositions maybe contained in a physically separated compartment of a dispenser anddispensed side-by-side.

As used herein, “dose” refers to a volume of medication, such as liquidmedication, containing an amount of a drug active suitable foradministration on a single occasion, according to sound medicalpractice. A dose can be orally administered. In one example, a dose canbe about 30 mL, in another example about 25 mL, in another example about20 mL, in another example about 15 mL, and in another example about 10mL. In another example, a dose of liquid medication can be from about 10mL to about 75 mL, in another example from about 15 mL to about 50 mL,in another example from about 25 mL to about 40 mL, and in anotherexample from about 28 mL to about 35 mL. The concentration of activeingredients can be adjusted to provide the proper doses of actives giventhe liquid dose size. In one example, the dose is intended to beadministered every 4 hours, in another example every 6 hours, in anotherexample every 8 hours, and in another example every 12 hours.

As used herein, “ingestible” refers to a composition that is deliverableto a mammal in need via the oral cavity including the mouth and throator nasal passage, and combinations thereof. In some examples, thecomposition can be ingestible and swallowable.

As used herein, “medication” refers to medications, such aspharmaceuticals, including prescription medications, over-the-countermedications, behind-the-counter medications and combinations thereof. Insome examples, a medication can be a supplement.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are understood to mean one ormore of the material that is claimed or described, for example, “anactive” or “a solvent”.

The compositions of the present invention can contain, consist of, orconsist essentially of, the essential elements and limitations of theinvention described herein, as well as any additional or optionalingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwiseuseful in dosage forms intended for use or consumption by humans.

It has been found that polyquaternium-2 can be added to compositions toreduce bitterness. Polyquaternium-2 has the CAS Registry Number68555-36-2 and the chemical name is Poly[bis(2-chloroethyl)ether-alt-1,3-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea] and is commerciallyavailable as Mirapol® A 15 (available from Rhodia, Cranbury, N.J.). Themolecular structure for polyquaternium-2 is shown in FIG. 1A.Polyquaternium-17 (CAS Registry Number 148506-50-7) andpolyquaternium-18 (CAS Registry Number 113784-58-0) are structurallyanalogous to polyquaternium-2 and can be used in addition to or insteadof polyquaternium-2 to modulate bitter. The molecular structure forpolyquaternium-17 is shown in FIG. 1B and the molecular structure forpolyquaternium-18 is shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A compares the modulation of bitterness of a control solutioncomprising 2 mM guaifenesin (GG) with solutions comprising 2 mM GG andone of seven water soluble polymers at concentrations ranging from 0.33%to 0.01%. The results for FIG. 2 are from an in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors, as described hereafter. The cell cultures and assays providean in vitro method to screen for bitterness that can mimic an in vivoresponse.

The water soluble polymers that were tested were as follows atconcentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.33%:

-   -   Polyquaternium-6 commercially available as Mirapol® 100        [CAS#26062-79-3] (available from Rhodia, Cranbery, N.J.)    -   Polyquaternium-2 commercially available as Mirapol® A 15        [CAS#68555-36-2] (available from Rhodia, Cranbury, N.J.)    -   Polyquaternium-7 commercially available as Mirapol® 550        [26590-05-6] (available from Rhodia, Cranbury, N.J.)    -   Polyquaternium-7 commercially available as Merquat™ 2200        [CAS#26590-05-6] (available from Lubrizol, Deer Park, Tex.)    -   Polyquaternium-16 commercially available as Luviquat® FC550        [CAS#95144-24-4] (available from BASF, Florham Park, N.J.)    -   Polyquaternium D16 commercially available as Luviquat® FC 905        [CAS#95144-24-4] (available from Crescent Company, Islandia,        N.Y.)    -   Polyquaternium-44 commercially available as Luviquat® care        polymer [CAS#150599-70-5] (available from BOC Sciences, Shirley,        N.Y.)

The taste receptors were activated as described in the Assay for TasteReceptors herein. The observed activation is presented as a % of thecontrol value. The control value is activation by a 2 mM GG solutionwith no added polymers. The results from this assay showed that onlyPolyquaternium-2 completely blocked the activation of taste cellreceptors by GG. This is especially surprising, since GG is one of themost bitter actives used in liquid medications. Other polymers,including polyquaternium-6 and polyquaternium D16 (Luviquat® 905) alsoshowed some reduction, however the modulation was not dose dependent.

FIG. 2B compares the modulation of bitterness of a solution comprising 2mM GG with one of four water soluble polymers at concentrations rangingfrom 0.01% to 0.00003%. The four water soluble polymers werepolyquaternium-6 (Mirapol® 100), polyquaternium-2 (Mirapol® A15),polyquaternium D16 (Luviquat® FC 550), and polyquaternium D16 (Luviquat®FC 905). The same Assay for Taste Receptor Method described herein andfor FIG. 2 was used to generate the results for FIG. 3. The lowerconcentrations of polymer were selected to help further differentiatethe potential ability for the polymers to provide bitter blocking invivo.

Again, polyquaternium-2 provided the greatest reduction in bitterness ofthe 2 mM GG solution. At 0.01%, the bitterness was reduced to less than20% of the bitterness of the control. Furthermore, polyquaternium-2 wasthe only composition that showed dose dependent blocking.

FIG. 2C compares the modulation of bitterness of a solutions containingdifferent substances that are known to be bitter with 0.17%polyquaternium-2 (Mirapol® A 15), polyquaternium-7 (Merquat™ 2200), andpolyquaternium-44 (Luviquat® Care Polymer). The Assay for Taste ReceptorMethod described herein and was used to generate the results for FIG.2C. The substances that were tested were 1 mM clofedanol, 1 mMdiphenhydramine, 1 mM GG, 1 mM naproxen, 1 mM ibuprofen, 1 mM quinine,0.1 mM thymol, 100 μM AITC (Allyl Isothiocyanate), 100 μM APB(2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate), 100 μM carvacrol, and 10 μM ionomycin.

Surprisingly, the polyquaternium-2 blocked all but three of the knownbitter molecules, whereas the higher molecular weight polyquats,polyquaternium-7, and polyquaternium-44, did not show bitter blocking.Instead the polyquaternium-7, and polyquaternium-44 caused an increasein the bitter response relative to each bitter molecule, as shown by thehigher fluorescence units (FUs).

Since polyquaternium-2 was effective in blocking the bitterness in theAssay for Taste Receptors, it was desirable to understand ifpolyquaternium-2 was effective against other bitter agents. As shown inFIG. 3, it was found that polyquaternium-2 was also effective atblocking bitterness from hops in the Assay for Taste Receptors.

FIG. 3 compares the modulation of bitterness of solutions containing astrain of hops at different concentrations ranging from 0.000047% to0.000374%. Each strain of hops was tested with the addition of 0.01%polyquaternium-2. The following strains of hops were tested: B-BL168003,CB-RS5698A-L, CB-RS5722B, and CB-RS5698A-s. All strains of hops used inthis example are commercially available from available from Hopsteiner®,Yakima, Wash. 2 mM GG was used as a control to make sure that the bittercells were registering bitterness. The results for FIG. 3 are from an invitro Assay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter.

Surprisingly, as seen in FIG. 3, 0.01% polyquaternium-2 cansignificantly reduce the bitterness of all four strains of hops. At manyconcentrations and strains, the bitterness was not detectable by thebitter cells, which could mimic an in vivo response.

In one example, the composition can contain from about 0.0001% to about5% hops, in another example from about 0.001% to about 2.5%, in anotherexample from about 0.01% to about 1%, in another example from about0.05% to about 0.5%, and in another example from about 0.1% to about0.2%. The composition can contain alpha hops and/or beta hops.

In one example polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquternium-18 can reduce the overall bitterness of a composition byat least about 5% as compared to an identical composition without thepolyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquternium-18 asdetermined by the in vitro Assay for Taste Receptors as describedhereafter, in another example by at least about 10%, in another exampleby at least about 20%, in another example by at least about 30%, inanother example by at least about 40%, in another example by at leastabout 50%, in another example by at least about 60%, in another exampleby at least about 65%, in another example by at least about 70%, inanother example by at least about 75%, in another example by at leastabout 80%, in another example by at least about 85%, in another exampleby at least about 90%, in another example at least about 93%, in anotherexample at least about 95%, in another example by at least about 97%, inanother example by at least about 98%, in another example by at leastabout 99% and in another example by at least about 100%.

In another example, the composition can have an overall bitterness ofless than about 8000 fluorescence units (FUs) as determined by the invitro Assay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter, in anotherexample less than about 7500 FUs, in another example less than about70000 FUs, in another example less than about 6500 FUs, in anotherexample less than about 6000 FUs, in another example less than about5500 FUs, in another example less than about 5000 FUs, in anotherexample less than about 4500 FUs, in another example less than about4000 FUs, in another example less than about 3500 FUs, in anotherexample less than about 3000 FUs, in another example less than about2500 FUs, in another example less than about 2000 FUs, in anotherexample less than about 1500 FUs, in another example less than about1000 FUs, in another example less than about 750 FUs, in another exampleless than about 500 FUs, in another example less than about 350 FUs, inanother example less than about 300 FUs, in another example less thanabout 250 FUs, in another example less than about 200 FUs, in anotherexample less than about 150 FUs, in another example less than about 100FUs, and in another example less than about 50 FUs.

However, it has been surprisingly discovered that polyquaternium-2 doesnot modulate the bitterness for all compounds that are known to bebitter. For instance, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C compare the modulation ofbitterness, if any, of solutions containing an active and aconcentration of polyquaternium-2. The concentration of polyquaternium-2ranges from 0.00041% to 0.1%. GG at a concentration of 2 mM withoutpolyquaternium-2 is used as a control. The actives were selected becausethey are frequently used in medications and are known to be bitter. Theresults for FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are from an in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors as described hereafter.

FIG. 4A compares the modulation of bitterness, if any, of solutionscomprising 250 μM active and a concentration of polyquaternium-2. Theactives in FIG. 4A are dicyclomine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, doxepin,and 2 mM GG. FIG. 4A shows that polyquaternium-2 has at best a very weakbitter blocking activity on dicyclomine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, anddoxepin. However, FIG. 4A does not show a dose dependent effect and thuspolyquaternium-2 is probably not a specific blocker of thesecompositions.

The actives in FIG. 4B are 1 mM diltiazem, 2 mM phenytoin, and 1 mMdiphenhydramine. Polyquaternium-2 blocked some of the bitterness ofdiltiazem, but it doesn't show a dose dependent effect and thuspolyquaternium-2 is probably not a specific blocker for diltiazem.Polyquaternium-2 strongly blocked the bitterness from phenytoin andomeprazole and polyquaternium-2 had little or no effect ondiphenydramine.

The actives tested in FIG. 4C included 1 mM cetirizine, 1 mM enalapril,0.25% jambu (Acmella oleracea) extract (commercially available as JambuSE WS from Naturex™, South Hackensack, N.J.), and 10 mM acetaminophen(APAP). Polyquaternium-2 blocked some of the bitterness of cetirizine.Polyquaternium-2 did not show a dose dependent bitter blocking ofenalapril. However, polyquaternium-2 shows a strong dose dependenteffect on blocking jambu and APAP.

Polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can beadded to compositions, in particular oral care compositions, medicines,and/or ingestible compositions. In one example, the composition containsfrom about 0.01% to about 1% polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18, in another example from about 0.03% to about 0.3%, inanother example from about 0.05% to about 0.2%, in another example fromabout 0.07% to about 0.15%, in another example from about 0.08% to about0.13%, and in another example from about 0.09% to about 0.11. In oneexample, the composition can contain about 0.1% polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18. In another example, thecomposition can contain less than about 1% polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18, in another example lessthan about 0.5%, in another example less than about 0.3%, in anotherexample less than about 0.2%, in another example less than about 0.15%,and in another example less than about 0.12%.

In one example, polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18 can be added to the composition. For instance, thecomposition can contain polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18. In another example, polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can be administeredsimultaneously with the composition. In another example,polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can beadministered before the composition. In one example thepolyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can beadministered immediately before the composition and in one example thepolyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can beadministered and then a period of time can pass before consuming thecomposition.

FIG. 5A compares the modulation of bitterness, if any, of solutionscomprising 0.2 mM composition and 0.02% polyquaternium-2 in the in vitroAssay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter. The compositionstested were methyl formyl anthranilate, 2-aminoacetophenone, methylanthranilate, dimethyl anthranilate, beta-terpineol, beta-naphthylanthranilate, benzoyl anthranilic acid, hesperidin, 2-phenoxyethanol,para-vanillyl alcohol, and methyl ethoxypyrazine. 2.5 mM acetaminophen(APAP), 2 mM GG, and 10 μM Ionomycin, calcium salt (commerciallyavailable from Life Technologies, Grand Island, N.Y., catalog #I-24222)were used as the controls. In FIG. 5A, 0.02% polyquaternium-2substantially modulated or completely modulated the bitterness from allof the components. This is true for compositions that are particularlybitter, for instance over 6000 FUs, like methyl formyl anthranilate,2-aminoacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, dimethyl anthranilate,beta-terpineol, beta-naphthyl anthranilate, and benzoyl anthranilic acidwhere the bitter was completely or substantially modulated in the Assayfor Taste Receptors.

FIG. 5B compares the modulation of bitterness, if any, of solutionscontaining a composition and 0.01% polyquaternium-2 in the in vitroAssay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter. The compositionstested were 5 mM pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, 2 mM terpin, 2.5 mMprednisolone, 2.5 mM famotidine, 0.5 mM 1,10-phenanthroline, 0.5 mMerythromycin, 0.5 mM saccharin, 3% propylene glycol, and 2 mM GG wasused as the control. 0.01% polyquaternium-2 modulated the bitterness inall of the compositions, including components that were very bitter,like 1,10-phenanthroline, saccharin, and propylene glycol. Surprisingly,polyquaternium-2 completely blocked the bitterness from saccharin andsubstantially reduced the bitterness of both propylene glycol and1,10-phenanthroline.

FIG. 5C compares the modulation of bitterness, if any, of solutionscomprising 2 mM of a composition and 0.01% polyquaternium-2 in the invitro Assay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter. The compositionstested were amygdalin, benzamide, brucine, ε-Caprolactam,N-methylthiourea, orphenadrine hydrochloride, 1,10-phenanthroline,procainamide hydrochloride, and clorhesidice. Polyquaternium-2significantly reduced the bitterness of benzamide and brucine andmoderately reduced the bitterness of 1,10-phenanthroline. However,polyquaternium-2 did not significantly reduce the bitterness oforphenadrine hydrochloride, which is the most bitter component in FIG.5C. Polyquaternium-2 may also modulate the bitterness of compositionsthat are only slightly bitter such as amygdalin, ε-Caprolactam,N-methylthiourea, procainamide hydrochloride, and chlorhesidice.

FIG. 6 compares ten full formulations diluted to 0.617% with the sameten formulations diluted to 0.617% with 0.02% polyquaternium-2 the invitro Assay for Taste Receptors as described hereafter. The formulationsare described in Table 1 below. FIG. 6 also includes a formulation with2 mM GG and 10 μM Ionomycin, calcium salt, which were both used ascontrol

TABLE 1 Dose Formulation Size Active Ingredients per Dose ExcipientsHyland's ® 15 mL Allium cepa 6X, Hepar Citric acid, glycyrrhiza DEFENDCold & sulfuris calcareum 12X, extract, purified water, Cough Hydrastiscanadensis 6X, sodium benzoate N.F., (Lot # 114220) Natrum Muriaticum6X, vegetable glycerine. Phosphorus 12X, Pulsatilla 6X, Sulphur 12XPediaCare ® 5 mL Phenylephrine HCl (2.5 mg) CarboxymethylcelluloseDecongestant sodium, citric acid, edetate (Lot # 18263) disodium, FD&Cred #40, flavors, glycerin, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol,sucralose, water Chestal ® Honey 2 US tsp Antimonium tartaricum 6C,Citric acid, honey, purified (Lot # M0092897) (9.9 mL) Bryonia 3C,Coccus cacti 3C, water, sodium benzoate, Drosera 3C, Ipecacuanha 3C,sucrose Pulsatilla 6C, Rumex crispus 6C, Spongia tosta 3C, Stictapulmonaria 3C Nature's Way ® , 7.5 mL Pelargonium sidoides IX Alcohol(8.2%), fructose, Umcka ® natural menthol, natural ColdCare, Mint-spearmint flavor, purified Menthol Flavor water, vegetable-source (Lot #125637) glycerin Nighttime Cold & 30 mL Acetaminophen (650 mg), andCitric Acid, sodium citrate Flu Relief similar Dextromethorphan HBr (30mg) dihydrate, FD&C Blue #1, to Nyquil ® Red#40, purified water, withoutsaccharin, ace sulfame Doxylamine potassium, sodium, propylene glycol,alcohol, PEG-8, high fructose corn syrup, flavor Nighttime Cold & 30 mLAcetaminophen (650 mg), and Citric Acid, sodium citrate Flu Reliefsimilar Dextromethorphan HBr (30 mg) dihydrate, FD&C Blue #1, toNyQuil ® cherry Red#40, purified water, flavor without saccharin, acesulfame Doxylamine potassium, sodium, propylene glycol, alcohol, PEG-8,high fructose corn syrup, flavor Nighttime Cold & 30 mL Acetaminophen(650 mg), and Citric Acid, sodium citrate Flu Relief similarDextromethorphan HBr (30 mg) dihydrate, Red#40, flavor, to Alcohol-Freepurified water, saccharin, ace NyQuil ® without sulfame potassium,sodium, Chlorpheniramine propylene glycol, sodium benzoate,Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, PEG-8, high fructose corn syrup DayQuil ®Cold & 30 mL Acetaminophen (325 mg), Citric Acid, FD&C Yellow Flu ReliefDextromethorphan FlBr (10 mg), No. 6, flavor, glycerin, (Lot # andPhenylephrine HCl propylene glycol, purified 124917193U) (5 mg) water,saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate,sorbitol, sucralose, xantham gum DayQuil ® Severe 30 mL Acetaminophen(650 mg), Citric Acid, FD&C Yellow Guaifenesin(400 mg), No. 6, flavor,glycerin, Dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg), propylene glycol, purified andPhenylephrine HCl water, saccharin sodium, (10 mg) sodium benzoate,sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sorbitol, sucralose, xantham gumMucinex ® Fast- 20 mL Dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg) Anhydrous citricacid, Max ® DM Max Guaifenesin (400 mg) dextrose, (Lot # 1002471) D&CRed #33, FD&C Red #40, flavors, glycerin, methylparaben, potassiumsorbate, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharinsodium, sodium hydroxide, sucralose, xanthan gum

In the assays of FIG. 6, 0.02% polyquaternium-2 was effective insubstantially reducing or completely reducing the bitterness in all ofthe full formulations. Polyquaternium-2 completely or almost completelyreduced the bitter from Nature's Way® Umcka™ ColdCare, the NighttimeCold & Flu Relief similar to Nyquil® without doxylamine, the NighttimeCold & Flu Relief similar to Nyquil® cherry flavor without doxylamine,the Nighttime Cold & Flu Relief similar to Alcohol-Free NyQuil® withoutchlorpheniramine, and DayQuil®. The 0.02% polyquaternium-2 significantlyreduced the bitterness of DayQuil® Severe and Mucinex® Fast-Max® DM Max.

FIG. 7 compares the bitterness, as determined by the DPP panel, of theexamples described in Table 2 below. The high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)base contains 46.7% HFCS stock, 5.9% PEG-400 (polyethylene glycol 400),8.6% propylene glycol, 7.4% ethanol, and 30.07% water. Excipients,including propylene glycol, can be bitter and the polyquaternium-2 canblock the bitterness of the excipients in the HFCS base.

TABLE 2 Example High Fructose Corn Syrup Base Polyquaternium-2 1 q.s.  0% 2 q.s.   1% 1 q.s.  0.3% 4 q.s.  0.1% 1 q.s. 0.03% 6 q.s. 0.01%

Each panelist sampled 10 mL of each example using a “swish-and-spit”approach and rated the formulation for perceived bitter intensity. TheDPP panel includes panelists that are trained and validated in Spectrum™Descriptive Analysis methodology and evaluate bitterness on a 60 pointscale.

It was surprisingly found that the Example 4, which contained 0.1%polyquaternium-2 was less bitter than Examples 2 and 3, which had higherlevels of Polyquaternium-2. Examples 5 and 6 were also less bitter thanExamples 2 and 3 and may still be acceptable to consumers.

FIG. 8 compares the bitterness, as determined by the DPP panel, of thefollowing examples:

-   -   Example 7 was commercially available DayQuil® Severe (Lot        #3308171931, expiration date October 2015) which contains four        actives: APAP (216.67 mg per 10 mL), GG (133.33 mg per 10 mL),        phenylephrine HCl (PE) (3.33 mg per 10 mL), and dextromethorphan        (DXM) (6.67 mg per 10 mL). DayQuil® Severe also contains the        following excipients: citric acid, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavor,        glycerin, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium,        sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sorbitol,        sucralose, xanthan gum    -   Example 8 was the DayQuil® Severe of Example 7 with the addition        of 0.1% polyquaternium-2.

The DPP panel for FIG. 8 was conducted according to the proceduredescribed herein for FIG. 7. Polyquaternium-2 reduced the overallbitterness in mouth, after expectoration, and at three minutes. The inmouth bitter was reduced by about 50% and the after expectoration bitterwas reduced by over 10%. The three minute bitter was only reducedslightly and there was not a noticeable difference in bitterness afterten minutes. However, it can be most important to reduce the bitternesswhen the composition is in the mouth and immediately after it has beenexpectorated because this is the time when the composition is mostbitter and unpleasant to the consumer.

In one example, the DPP in mouth bitter is reduced by at least about 5%as compared to the in mouth bitterness of an identical compositionwithout polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18,in another example by at least about 10%, in another example by at leastabout 15%, in another example by at least about 20%, in another exampleby at least about 25%, in another example by at least about 35%, inanother example by at least about 40%, in another example by at leastabout 45%, and in another example by at least about 50%. In one example,the DPP after expectoration bitter is reduced by at least about 4% ascompared to the in mouth bitterness of an identical composition withoutpolyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18, inanother example by at least about 4%, in another example by at leastabout 10%, in another example the DPP after expectoration bitterness byat least about 15%, in another example by at least about 18%, in anotherexample by at least about 20%, and in another example by at least about22%.

Polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 can beadded to compositions, in particular liquid pharmaceutical compositions.In one example, the composition contains from about 0.01% to about 1%polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18, inanother example from about 0.03% to about 0.3%, in another example fromabout 0.05% to about 0.2%, in another example from about 0.07% to about0.15%, in another example from about 0.08% to about 0.13%, and inanother example from about 0.09% to about 0.11. In one example, thecomposition can contain about 0.1% polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17,and/or polyquaternium-18. In another example, the composition cancontain less than about 1% polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18, in another example less than about 0.5%, in anotherexample less than about 0.3%, in another example less than about 0.2%,in another example less than about 0.15%, and in another example lessthan about 0.12%.

In one example, the polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18 can be used in combination with a bitter food orbeverage. Non-limiting examples of bitter foods can include artichokes,arugula (Eruca sativa), asparagus, basil including, but not limited to,holy basil, bitter melon, broccoli, Brazil nuts, Brussels sprouts,burdock root, cabbage, castor oil, chard, cauliflower, chayotes,chicory, chocolate including, but not limited to, dark chocolate andunsweetened cocoa, citrus fruits and juices from citrus fruitsincluding, but not limited to lemons, limes and grapefruit, citruspeels, cloves, collard greens, cress, cucumbers, cumin, dandeliongreens, dill, eggplant, endive, fenugreek, ginger, guarana, Jerusalemartichoke, hazelnut, kale, lemon balm, lettuce, maca, melons, milkthistle including the leaves, mushrooms, mustard, neem leaves, nettles,olives including, but not limited to, uncured olives, oregano, pak choi,pumpkin, radicchio, radishes, rapini, rhubarb including the leaves,rosemary, rose root (Rhondiola rosea), rutabaga, saffron, sauerkraut,sesame seeds, sesame oil, squash including but not limited to zucchiniand other summer squash, thistles, tomatoes, turmeric, and combinationsthereof.

Non-limiting examples of beverages can include coffee, teas including,but not limited to, green tea, white tea, and black tea, tonic water,South American mate, and alcoholic beverages including, but not limitedto beer, wine, and spirits, and combinations thereof.

There are many compounds that can make foods and beverages bitter. Forinstance, two components that can make beer bitter can be hops andethanol. Polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18can modulate the bitterness of one or more bitter compounds. In oneexample, polyquaternium-2 can block specific bitter compounds.

In one example, the food and/or beverage compositions can be consumed aswhole foods and beverages. In another example, the food and/or beveragecompositions can be partially consumed and can be extracted or condensedor otherwise changed before consumption. In another example, the foodand/or beverage compositions can be made into dosage forms, for instanceto provide a supplement.

In one example, polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/orpolyquaternium-18 can be added to a composition intended for use bychildren. Children can be especially sensitive to bitter tastes andadding polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18 canmake bitter compositions, for instance foods, beverages, supplements andmedicines more palatable to children.

In one example, the composition can include a variety of orallyadministered dosage forms, which can contain drug actives. Non-limitingexamples of dosage forms can include a liquid medication, particlessuspended in a liquid formulation, a solid in a gelatin or foam, or asolid dose in the form of a tablet, powder, granules, pellets,microspheres, nanospheres, beads, or nonpareils, and combinationsthereof. In one example, the dosage form is a liquid medication. Dosageforms can be orally administered and can be swallowed immediately,slowly dissolved in the mouth, or chewed.

Non-limiting examples of additional solvents can include water, ethanol,glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol200, and mixtures thereof. In one example the medication comprises fromabout 40% to about 95% solvent, in another example from about 50% toabout 80% solvent, and in another example from about 55% to about 60%solvent, and in another example from about 68% solvent to about 72%solvent.

In one example, the medication can contain water and propylene glycol.In one example, the medication comprises from about 15% to about 80%water, in another example from about 25% to about 75% water, in anotherexample from about 40% to about 70% water, in another example from about35% to about 45% water, and in another example from about 57% to about66% water. In another example, the medication can comprise from about 1%to about 10% propylene glycol, in another example from about 2% to about8% propylene glycol, and in another example from about 3% to about 6%propylene glycol. In another example, the medication can contain fromabout 5% to about 40% propylene glycol, in another example from about15% to about 35% propylene glycol, and in another example from about 20%to about 30% propylene glycol. In another example, the medication cancomprise from about 1% to about 15% ethanol, in another example fromabout 3% to about 12% ethanol, and in another example from about 6% toabout 10% ethanol.

The compositions can comprise a sweetener to provide sweetness and tastemasking of the actives and excipients that provide a bitter character.In one example, the composition comprises from about 2% to 25%sweetener, in another example from about 5% to 20% sweetener, in anotherexample from about 7% to 15% sweetener, and in another example fromabout 8% to 12% sweetener. Non-limiting examples of sweeteners caninclude nutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols, synthetic sugars, highintensity natural sweeteners, and combinations thereof. Non-limitingexamples of nutritive sweeteners can include fructose, galactose, andcombinations thereof. In one example, the sweetener can be high fructosecorn syrup.

Non-limiting examples of sugar alcohols can include xylitol, sorbitol,mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erthritol, glycerin, andcombinations thereof. In one example the composition can comprise fromabout 1% to about 30% sugar alcohol, in another example from about 5% toabout 28% sugar alcohol, in another example about 10% to about 25% sugaralcohol, and in another example about 15% to about 23% sugar alcohol. Inone example the composition comprises from about 5% to about 20%sorbitol, in another example from about 7% to about 18% sorbitol, and inanother example from about 10% to about 15% sorbitol. In anotherexample, the composition comprises from about 3% to about 15% glycerin,in another example from about 5% to about 10% glycerin, and in anotherexample from about 7% to about 9% glycerin.

Non-limiting examples of synthetic sweeteners can include sodiumsaccharin, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, aspartame, monoammoniumglycyrrhizinate, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, thaumatin, neotame,cyclamates, and mixtures thereof. In one example the composition cancomprise from about 0.01% to about 0.5% artificial sweetener, in anotherexample from about 0.1% to about 0.3% artificial sweetener, and inanother example about 0.15% to about 0.25% artificial sweetener.

Non-limiting examples of high intensity natural sweeteners can includeneohesperidin dihydrochalcone, stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudiosideC, dulcoside, monoammonium glycrrhizinate, thaumatin, and combinationsthereof.

The liquid composition can optionally include one or more sensates.Non-limiting examples of sensates can include cooling sensates, warmingsensates, tingling sensates, and combinations thereof. Sensates canuseful to deliver signals to the user.

In one example the sweetener can be Rebiana®, a steviolglycoside,commercially available from Cargill® Corp., Minneapolis, Minn., which isan extract from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant (hereinafterreferred to as “Rebiana”). This is a crystalline diterpene glycoside,about 300× sweeter than sucrose. Examples of suitable stevioglycosideswhich may be combined include rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B,rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F,dulcoside A, dulcoside B, rubusoside, stevioside, or steviolbioside.According to particularly desirable examples of the present invention,the combination of high-potency sweeteners comprises rebaudioside A incombination with rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside F,rebaudioside F, stevioside, steviolbioside, dulcoside A.

Non-limiting examples of cooling sensates can include WS-23(2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), WS-3(N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-30(1-glyceryl-p-mentane-3-carboxylate), WS-4(ethyleneglycol-p-methane-3-carboxylate), WS-14(N-t-butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-12(N-(4-,ethoxyphenyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-5(Ethyl-3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate, Menthone glycerol ketal(sold as Frescolat® MGA by Haarmann & Reimer), (−)-Menthyl lactate (soldas Frescolat® ML by Haarmann & Reimer),(−)-Menthoxypropane-1,2-diol(sold as Coolant Agent 10 by TakasagoInternational), 3-(1-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol,3-(1-Menthoxy)-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, (−)-Isopulegol is sold underthe name “Coolact P®” by Takasago International., cis & transp-Menthane-3,8-diols(PMD38)—Takasago International, Questice® (menthylpyrrolidone carboxylate),(1R,3R,4S)-3-menthyl-3,6-dioxaheptanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthylmethoxyacetate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthyl3,6,9-trioxadecanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-menthyl11-hydroxy-3,6,9-trioxaundecanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthyl(2-hydroxyethoxy)acetate—Firmenich, Cubebol—Firmenich, Icilin also knownas AG-3-5, chemical name1-[2-hydroxyphenyl]-4-[2-nitrophenyl-]-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one),4-methyl-3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2[5H]-furanone, Frescolat ML—menthyllactate, Frescolat MGA—menthone glycerin acetal, Peppermint oil,L-Monomenthyl succinate, L-monomenthyl glutarate,3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol—(Coolact 10), 2-1-menthoxyethanol (Cooltact5), TK10 Coolact (3-1-Menthoxy propane-1,2-diol), Evercool™ 180(N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-ρ-menthanecarboxamide)), and combinationsthereof. In one example, the composition can comprise from about 0.005%to about 1% cooling sensate, in another example from about 0.05% toabout 0.5% cooling sensate, and in another example from about 0.01% toabout 0.25% cooling sensate.

In one example, the cooling sensate can be EverCool™ 180 available fromGivaudan of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a 5% solution ofN-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-ρ-menthanecarboxamide in a flavoring ingredientcool white grape, or as a 7.5% solution ofN-(4-cyanomethylphenyl)-ρ-menthanecarboxamide in a flavor ingredientsuch as spearmint or peppermint.

Non-limiting examples of warming sensates can include TK 1000, TK 1 MM,Heatenol—Sensient Flavors, Optaheat—Symrise Flavors, Cinnamon, Capsicum,Capsaicin, Curry, FSI Flavors, Isobutavan, Nonivamide 60162807, HotactVEE, Hotact 1MM, piperine, optaheat 295 832, optaheat 204 656, optaheat200 349, and combinations thereof. Warming sensates can be present fromabout 0.005% to about 2%, in another example from about 0.01% to about1%, and in another example from about 0.1% to about 0.5%.

Non-limiting examples of tingling sensates can include sichuan pepper,hydroxy alpha sanshool, jambu extracts, spilanthol, and combinationsthereof. In one example, tingling sensates can be present from about0.005% to about 1%, in another example from about 0.01% to about 0.5%,and another example from about 0.015% to about 0.3%.

The composition can comprise a flavoring ingredient. When present,flavoring ingredients are generally used in the compositions at levelsof from about 0.001% to about 8%, by weight of the composition.

Additional non-limiting examples of flavoring ingredients can includepeppermint oil, corn mint oil, spearmint oil, oil of wintergreen, clovebud oil, cassia, sage, parsley oil, marjoram, lemon, lime, orange,mango, cis-jasmone, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone,5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin,propenyl guaethol, heliotropine, 4-cis-heptenal, diacetyl,methyl-ρ-tert-butyl phenyl acetate, menthol, methyl salicylate, ethylsalicylate, 1-menthyl acetate, oxanone, alpha-irisone, methyl cinnamate,ethyl cinnamate, butyl cinnamate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, methylanthranilate, iso-amyl acetate, iso-amyl butyrate, allyl caproate,eugenol, eucalyptol, thymol, cinnamic alcohol, octanol, octanal,decanol, decanal, phenylethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, alpha-terpineol,linalool, limonene, citral, maltol, ethyl maltol, carvone, menthone,β-damascenone, ionone, gamma decalactone, gamma nonalactone, gammaundecalactone and mixtures thereof. Generally suitable flavoringingredients are those containing structural features and functionalgroups that are less prone to redox reactions. These include derivativesof flavouring ingredients that are saturated or contain stable aromaticrings or ester groups. In one example, the composition comprises fromabout 0.01% to about 1% flavoring ingredients, in another example fromabout 0.05% to about 0.5% flavoring ingredients, and in another examplefrom about 0.1% to about 0.3% flavoring ingredients.

The composition can optionally include one or more salivation agents.Non-limiting examples of salivation agents include formula (I):

wherein R₁ represents C1-C2 n-alkyl; R₂ is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ ishydrogen, or R₂ and R₃ taken together is a moiety (designated by thedashed lines) having the formula —(CH₂)_(n)— wherein n is 4 or 5, andcombinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the salivating agent comprises a material wherein R₂is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ is hydrogen, in another embodiment thesalivating agent comprises a material wherein R₁ is Cl n-alkyl, R₂ is2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ is hydrogen. In another embodiment, thesalivating agent comprises trans-pellitorin, a chemical having astructure according to formula (II):

In another embodiment, the salivation agent can include sodiumbicarbonate, sodium chloride, trans-pellitorin, and combinationsthereof. In one example, salivation agents can be present from about0.05% to about 2%, in another embodiment from about 0.1% to about 1%,and in another example from about 0.25%% to about 0.75%.

The liquid composition can be any color. Non-limiting examples of colorscan include red, green, amber, orange, yellow, blue, pink, violet,turquoise, and combinations thereof. In one example, the composition isgreen. In another example, the liquid composition is clear.

The composition can also comprise a dye that provides the color.Non-limiting examples dyes that may be used in the present inventioninclude FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue #2, D&C blue #4, D&C blue #9, FD&C green#3, D&C green #5, D&C green #6, D&C green #8, D&C orange #4, D&C orange#5, D&C orange #10, D&C orange #11, FD&C red #3, FD&C red #4, D&C red#6, D&C red #7, D&C red #17, D&C red #21, D&C red #22, D&C red #27, D&Cred #28, D&C red #30, D&C red #31, D&C red #33, D&C red #34, D&C red#36, D&C red #39, FD&C red #40, D&C violet #2, FD&C yellow #5, FD&Cyellow #6, D&C yellow #7, Ext. D&C yellow #7, D&C yellow #8, D&C yellow#10, D&C yellow #11, and combinations thereof. In one example, thecomposition comprises from about 0.001% to about 0.1% dye, in anotherexample from about 0.002% to about 0.05% dye, and in another exampleform about 0.003% to about 0.01% dye.

In one example, the composition comprises a buffer. The buffer can helpmaintain a constant pH within the liquid composition. In one example theliquid composition comprises from about 0.05% to about 2% buffer, inanother example from about 0.1% to about 1% buffer, in another examplefrom about 0.15% to about 0.5% buffer, and in another example from about0.18% to about 0.25% buffer. Buffers can include acetate buffers,citrate buffers, and phosphate buffers. Non-limiting examples of bufferscan include acetic acid, sodium acetate, citric acid, sodium citrate,monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium carbonate,sodium bicarbonate, succinic acid, sodium succinate, potassiumdihydrogen phosphate, and phosphoric acid.

In one example, the composition comprises a preservative. In one examplethe liquid composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 1%preservative, in another example from about 0.05% to about 0.5%preservative, in another example from about 0.07% to about 0.3%preservative, and in another example from about 0.08% to about 0.15%preservative. Non-limiting examples of preservatives can includebenzalkonium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), benzylalcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, andmixtures thereof.

In one example, the composition comprises a thickener. In one examplethe liquid composition comprises from 0.01% to 3% thickener, in anotherexample 0.05% to 1.5% thickener, in another example 0.1% to 0.75%thickener, and in another example 0.12% to 0.3% thickener. Non-limitingexamples of thickeners can include xanthan gum, carrageenan, polyacrylicacid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulosic polymers includingcarboxymethycellulose, hydroxethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, andhydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and combinations thereof.

In certain examples, the compositions can contain one or more drugactives. In one example, the composition a liquid composition containingone or more drug actives. In one example, the drug actives can beimmediate release drug actives, extended release drug actives, ordelayed release drug actives. In one example, the drug active can beformulated as particles and in another example the active can beformulated as coated beads.

In one example, the drug active is a multi-symptom relief (MSR) cold/fluactive which can be used to treat one or more cold/flu symptoms. MSRcold/flu actives can be used to treat a variety of cold/flu symptomsincluding nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, headache, dry cough,sore throat, sinus pressure or pain, chest congestion, muscleaches/pains, wet/chesty cough, fever, and combinations thereof. MSRcold/flu actives can include decongestants, expectorants,antihistamines, antitussives, pain relievers, and combinations thereof.

In one example, MSR cold/flu actives can be formulated for daytime useor nighttime use. In one example, the liquid medication comprisesinstructions that direct a user to ingest the medication at night beforebedtime.

Non-limiting examples of expectorants can include guaifenesin, ambroxol,bromhexine, and combinations thereof. In one example, the expectorantcan be guaifenesin. In one example a dose can comprise 200 mg ofguaifenesin and in another example 400 mg of guaifenesin.

Non-limiting examples of antihistamines can include chlorpheniramine,desloratadine, levocetirizine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine succinate,triprolidine, clemastine, pheniramine, brompheniramine,dexbrompheniramine, loratadine, cetirizine and fexofenadine, amlexanox,alkylamine derivatives, cromolyn, acrivastine, ibudilast, bamipine,ketotifen, nedocromil, omalizumab, dimethindene, oxatomide, pemirolast,pyrrobutamine, pentigetide, thenaldine, picumast, tolpropamine,ramatroban, repirinast, suplatast tosylate aminoalkylethers, tazanolast,bromodiphenhydramine, tranilast, carbinoxamine, traxanox,chlorphenoxamine, diphenylpyaline, embramine, p-methyldiphenhydramine,moxastine, orphenadrine, phenyltoloxamine, setastine, ethylenediaminederivatives, chloropyramine, chlorothen, methapyrilene, pyrilamine,talastine, thenyldiamine, thonzylamine hydrochloride, tripelennamine,piperazines, chlorcyclizine, clocinizine, homochlorcyclizine,hydroxyzine, tricyclics, phenothiazines, mequitazine, promethazine,thiazinamium methylsulfate, azatadine, cyproheptadine, deptropine,desloratadine, isothipendyl, olopatadine, rupatadine, antazoline,astemizole, azelastine, bepotastine, clemizole, ebastine, emedastine,epinastine, levocabastine, mebhydroline, mizolastine, phenindamine,terfenadine, tritoqualine, phenylephrine (PE), pseudophedrine (PSE) andcombinations thereof.

In one example the liquid composition can comprise from about 0.01% toabout 0.1% antihistamine, in another example from about 0.02% to about0.07% antihistamine, and in another example from about 0.03% to about0.05% antihistamine. In one example, the antihistamine can be doxylaminesuccinate and a dose of liquid medication can contain 12.5 mg doxylaminesuccinate. In another example, the antihistamine can bechlorpheniramine. In one example a dose can contain 2 mg ofchlorpheniramine and in another example a dose can contain 4 mg ofchlorpheniramine. In another example, the antihistamine can be PE. Inone example a dose can contain 5 mg PE, in another example 10 mg PE, andin another example 20 mg PE. In another example, the antihistamine canbe PSE. In one example a dose can contain 120 mg PSE and in anotherexample 30 mg PSE.

Non-limiting examples of antitussives can include DXM, codeine,chlophedianol, levodropropizine, and combinations thereof. In oneexample the liquid medication can comprise from about 0.01% to about0.2% antitussive, in another example from about 0.025% to about 0.1%,and in another example from about 0.04% to about 0.075% antitussive. Inone example the antitussive can be selected from the group consisting ofDXM, chlophedianol, and combinations thereof. In one example a dose cancomprise 15 mg DXM, in another example 20 mg DXM, and in another example30 mg DXM. In another example a dose can comprise 12.5 mg chlophedianol.

Non-limiting examples of pain relievers can include APAP, ibuprofen,ketoprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, aspirin, and combinations thereof. Inone example the liquid medication can comprise from about 0.5% to about3.5% pain reliever, in another example from about 1% to about 3% painreliever, and in another example from about 1.5% to about 2% painreliever. In one example the pain relievers can include APAP, ibuprofen,naproxen, or combinations thereof. In one example a dose can comprise325 mg to 500 mg APAP, in another example 200 mg ibuprofen, and inanother example, 200 mg naproxen.

In one example, the liquid medication can further comprise a stimulantsuch as caffeine.

In one example, the liquid medication can comprise one or more MSRcold/flu actives, in another example two or more MSR cold/flu actives,in another example three or more MSR cold/flu actives, and in anotherexample four or more MSR cold/flu actives. In one example, the liquidmedication can comprise exactly one MSR cold/flu active, in anotherexample exactly two MSR cold/flu actives, in another example exactlythree MSR cold/flu actives, and in another example exactly four MSRcold/flu actives. In one example the liquid medication can compriseAPAP, doxylamine succinate, DXM, and PE.

In one example, the active can be a plant-derived materials. As usedherein, non-limiting examples of plant-derived materials can includethose used in traditional native American, Chinese, Aryuvedic andJapanese medicine, including flowers, leaves, stems and roots of plantsas well as extracts and isolated active components from the flower,leaves, stems, and roots of plants. Plant and Animal based oils andesters such as Omega-3-fatty acids and alkyl esters thereof; Vitamins(including but not limited to provitamin and all forms of Vitamins C, D,A, B, E, and combinations thereof); Fibers: Non-limiting examples offibers and analogous carbohydrate polymers can include pectins,psyllium, guar gum, xanthan gum, alginaes, gum arabic,fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin, agar, beta-glucans, chitins, dextrins,lignin, celluloses, non-starch polysaccharides, carrageenan, reducedstarch, and mixtures and/or combinations thereof; Prebiotics:Non-limiting examples of prebiotics suitable for use in the compositionsand methods can include psyllium, fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin,oligofructose, galacto-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides,xylo-oligosaccharides, soy-oligosaccharides, gluco-oligosaccharides,mannan-oligosaccharides, arabinogalactan, arabinxylan, lactosucrose,gluconannan, lactulose, polydextrose, oligodextran,gentioligosaccharide, pectic oligosaccharide, xanthan gum, gum arabic,hemicellulose, resistant starch and its derivatives, reduced starch, andmixtures and/or combinations thereof. Probiotics: Non-limiting examplesof probiotic bacteria suitable for use herein can include strains ofStreptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcusdiacetylactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillusbifidus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillusplantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus delbruekii,Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillus fermentii, Lactobacillussalivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillusparacasei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Pediococcus cerevisiae,Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacteriumadolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis,Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum,Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bulgaricus, Bifidobacteriumbreve, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Escherichia coli and strains of thegenera including Bacillus, Bacteroides, Enterococcus (e.g., Enterococcusfaecium) and Leuconostoc, and mixtures and/or combinations thereof.

Minerals, metals and/or elements: Non-limiting examples of minerals,metals, and elements useful in the systems of the present inventioninclude: zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, copper and selenium. When present,the minerals, metals and/or elements can be on or in a suitable carrier,and comprise from about 1% to about 50% by weight and alternatively fromabout 2% to about 30%, by weight of the composition comprising themineral, metal or element and the carrier.

In another example, the active can be a gastrointestinal active.Non-limiting examples of gastrointestingal actives can includeanti-diarrheal actives, laxatives, anti-nausea and anti-emetic actives,anti-flattulents, proton pump inhibitors, anti-inflammatorygastrointestinal actives, rafting agents, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of anti-diarrheal actives can include loperamide,bismuth-containing compositions, bismuth subsalicylate, colloidalbismuth subcitrate, bismuth subcitrate, kaolin, pectin, clays such asattapulgite, activated charcoal, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of laxatives can include fiber, resistant starch,resistant maltodextrin, pectin, cellulose, modified cellulose,polycarophil, senna, sennosides, bisacodyl, sodium phosphate, docusate,magnesium citrate, mineral oil, glycerin, aloe, castor oil, magnesiumhydroxide, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of anti-nausea and anti-emetic actives can bismuthcontaining compositions including bismuth subsalicylate, phosphatedcarbohydrates, diphenhydramine, cyclizine, meclizine, and combinationsthereof; non-limiting examples of antacids can include sodiumbicarbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium silicates, alginicacids, sodium alginate, magaldrate, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of anti-flattulents can include simethicone,activated charcoal, lactase, alpha-galactosidase enzymes, andcombinations thereof; non-limiting examples of H2 receptor antagonistscan include famotidine, ranitidine, ciemtidine, nitazidine, andcombinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of proton pump inhibitors can include omeprazole,lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and combinationsthereof.

A non-limiting example of an anti-inflammatory gastrointestinal activecan include mesalamine.

Non-limiting examples of rafting agents can include alginates, pectinsand polysaccharides.

A metal salt includes zinc salts, stannous salts, potassium salts,copper salts, alkali metal bicarbonate slats, and combinations thereof.Metal salts have a wide range of functions from antimicrobial agents tosensitivity agents or buffers. The compositions of the present inventionmay contain metal salt in an amount from about 0.05% to about 11%, fromabout 0.5% to about 7%, or from about 1% to about 5%, by total weight ofthe oral care composition.

It is common to have a fluoride compound present in dentifrices andother oral care compositions in an amount sufficient to give a fluorideion concentration in the composition of from about 0.0025% to about 5.0%or from about 0.005% to about 2.0%, by weight of the oral carecomposition to provide anticaries effectiveness. A wide variety offluoride ion-yielding materials can be employed as sources of solublefluoride in the present invention. Representative fluoride ion sourcesinclude: stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, aminefluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, indium fluoride, amine fluoridessuch as Olaflur, and many others. Examples of suitable fluorideion-yielding materials are found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,421 to Briner etal. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,154 to Widder et al.

Stannous salts include stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, stannousiodide, stannous chlorofluoride, stannous actetate, stannoushexafluorozirconate, stannous sulfate, stannous lactate, stannoustartrate, stannous gluconate, stannous citrate, stannous malate,stannous glycinate, stannous pyrophosphate, stannous metaphosphate,stannous oxalate, stannous phosphate, stannous carbonate, andcombinations thereof. Dentifrices containing stannous salts,particularly stannous fluoride and stannous chloride, are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,004,597 to Majeti et al. Other descriptions of stannoussalts are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,293 issued to Prencipe et al. andin U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,410 issued to Lukacovic et al. In addition to thestannous ion source, other ingredients used to stabilize the stannousmay be included, such as the ingredients described in Majeti et al. andPrencipe et al.

Zinc salts include zinc fluoride, zinc chloride, zinc iodide, zincchlorofluoride, zinc actetate, zinc hexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfate,zinc lactate, zinc tartrate, zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc malate,zinc glycinate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc metaphosphate, zinc oxalate,zinc phosphate, zinc carbonate, and combinations thereof.

Potassium salts include potassium nitrate, potassium citrate, potassiumoxalate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium acetate, potassium chloride,and combinations thereof.

In one example, the copper salt can be selected from copper fluoride,copper chloride, copper iodide, copper chlorofluoride, copper actetate,copper hexafluorozirconate, copper sulfate, copper lactate, coppertartrate, copper gluconate, copper citrate, copper malate, copperglycinate, copper pyrophosphate, copper metaphosphate, copper oxalate,copper phosphate, copper carbonate, and combinations thereof. In afurther example, the copper salt can be selected from copper gluconate,copper acetate, copper glycinate, and combinations thereof.

Alkali metal bicarbonate salts are soluble in water and unlessstabilized, tend to release carbon dioxide in an aqueous system. Sodiumbicarbonate, also known as baking soda, can be the preferred alkalimetal bicarbonate salt. The alkali metal bicarbonate salt also functionsas a buffering agent. Because of the pH at which alkali metalbicarbonate salts buffer, the bicarbonate salt may be in a phaseseparate from the stannous ion source. In certain examples, thecomposition of the present invention may contain from about 0.5% toabout 50%, from about 0.5% to about 30%, from about 2% to about 20%, orfrom about 5% to about 18% of an alkali metal bicarbonate salt, byweight of the composition.

Some metal salts which may be used in the present invention, such aszinc chloride, zinc citrate, copper gluconate, and zinc gluconate, arealso associated with an off taste described as dirty, dry, earthy,metallic, sour, bitter, and astringent.

Carrier materials include water, glycerin, sorbitol, polyethyleneglycols having a molecular weight of less than about 50,000, propyleneglycol and other edible polyhydric alcohols, ethanol, or combinationsthereof. The compositions of the present invention include from about 5%to about 80%, by weight of the composition, of a carrier material. Incertain examples, the compositions contain carrier materials in anamount of from about 10% to about 40%, by total weight of thecomposition.

Antimicrobial agents include quaternary ammonium compounds. Those usefulin the present invention include, for example, those in which one or twoof the substitutes on the quaternary nitrogen has a carbon chain length(typically alkyl group) from about 8 to about 20, typically from about10 to about 18 carbon atoms while the remaining substitutes (typicallyalkyl or benzyl group) have a lower number of carbon atoms, such as fromabout 1 to about 7 carbon atoms, typically methyl or ethyl groups.Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, tetradecylpyridinium chloride,domiphen bromide, N-tetradecyl-4-ethyl pyridinium chloride, dodecyldimethyl (2-phenoxyethyl) ammonium bromide, benzyl dimethoylstearylammonium chloride, quaternized 5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethyl-hexyl)-5-methylhexahydropyrimidine, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride andmethyl benzethonium chloride are exemplary of typical quaternaryammonium antibacterial agents.

Other quaternary ammonium compounds include the pyridinium compounds.Examples of pyridinium quaternary ammonium compounds includebis[4-(R-amino)-1-pyridinium]alkanes as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,206,215, Jun. 3, 1980, to Bailey and cetylpyridinium andtetradecylpyridinium halide salts (i.e., chloride, bromide, fluoride andiodide).

The compositions of the present invention may also include otherantimicrobial agents including non-cationic antimicrobial agents such ashalogenated diphenyl ethers, phenolic compounds including phenol and itshomologs, mono and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols, resorcinol andits derivatives, xylitol, bisphenolic compounds and halogenatedsalicylanilides, benzoic esters, and halogenated carbanilides. Alsouseful antimicrobials are enzymes, including endoglycosidase, papain,dextranase, mutanase, and combinations thereof. Such agents aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,946,725, Jul. 26, 1960, to Norris et al.and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,234 to Gieske et al. Examples of otherantimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine, and flavor oils such asthymol. In another example, the antimicrobial agent can includetriclosan.

The compositions of the present invention may contain antimicrobialagents in an amount of from about 0.035% or more, from about 0.1% toabout 1.5%, from about 0.045% to about 1.0%, or from about 0.05% toabout 0.10%, by total weight of the composition.

Bleaching agents can include peroxides, perborates, percarbonates,peroxyacids, persulfates, and combinations thereof. Suitable peroxidecompounds include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide,sodium peroxide, zinc peroxide, or combinations thereof. One example ofa percarbonate is sodium percarbonate. An example of a persulfateincludes oxones. Some bleaching agents provide a burn sensation within acomposition, for example peroxides and percarbonates.

The compositions of the present invention may contain bleaching agentsin an amount of from about 0.01% to about 30%, from about 0.1% to about10%, or from about 0.5% to about 5%, by total weight of the composition.

Surfactants may include anionic surfactants such as organophosphate,which include alkyl phosphates. These surface active organophosphateagents have a strong affinity for enamel surface and have sufficientsurface binding propensity to desorb pellicle proteins and remainaffixed to enamel surfaces. Suitable examples of organophosphatecompounds include mono-, di- or triesters represented by the generalstructure below wherein Z1, Z2, or Z3 may be identical or different, atleast one being an organic moiety, in one example selected from linearor branched, alkyl or alkenyl group of from 1 to 22 carbon atoms,optionally substituted by one or more phosphate groups; alkoxylatedalkyl or alkenyl, (poly)saccharide, polyol or polyether group.

Some other organophosphate agents include alkyl or alkenyl phosphateesters represented by the following structure:

wherein R1 represents a linear or branched, alkyl or alkenyl group offrom 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or morephosphate groups; n and m, are individually and separately, 2 to 4, anda and b, individually and separately, are 0 to 20; Z2 and Z3 may beidentical or different, each represents hydrogen, alkali metal,ammonium, protonated alkyl amine or protonated functional alkyl aminesuch as an alkanolamine, or a R1—(OCnH2n)a(OCmH2m)b-group. Examples ofsuitable agents include alkyl and alkyl (poly)alkoxy phosphates such aslauryl phosphate; PPG5 ceteareth-10 phosphate; Laureth-1 phosphate;Laureth-3 phosphate; Laureth-9 phosphate; Trilaureth-4 phosphate; C12-18PEG 9 phosphate; Sodium dilaureth-10 phosphate. In one example, thealkyl phosphate is polymeric. Examples of polymeric alkyl phosphatesinclude those containing repeating alkoxy groups as the polymericportion, in particular 3 or more ethoxy, propoxy isopropoxy or butoxygroups.

Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants useful in the present inventioncan include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium,and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals can be straightchain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituentscontains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionicwater-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphateor phosphonate. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include betainesurfactants such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,577 to Polefka etal. Typical alkyl dimethyl betaines include decyl betaine or2-(N-decyl-N,N-dimethylammonio) acetate, coco betaine or 2-(N-coco-N,N-dimethyl ammonio)acetate, myristyl betaine, palmityl betaine, laurylbetaine, cetyl betaine, stearyl betaine, etc. Amphoteric surfactantsuseful herein further include amine oxide surfactants. The amidobetainesare exemplified by cocoamidoethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine(CAPB), and lauramidopropyl betaine. The unwanted tastes oftenassociated with these surfactants are soapy, bitter, chemical, orartificial.

Additional suitable polymeric organophosphate agents can include dextranphosphate, polyglucoside phosphate, alkyl polyglucoside phosphate,polyglyceryl phosphate, alkyl polyglyceryl phosphate, polyetherphosphates and alkoxylated polyol phosphates. Some specific examples arePEG phosphate, PPG phosphate, alkyl PPG phosphate, PEG/PPG phosphate,alkyl PEG/PPG phosphate, PEG/PPG/PEG phosphate, dipropylene glycolphosphate, PEG glyceryl phosphate, PBG (polybutylene glycol) phosphate,PEG cyclodextrin phosphate, PEG sorbitan phosphate, PEG alkyl sorbitanphosphate, and PEG methyl glucoside phosphate. Suitable non-polymericphosphates include alkyl mono glyceride phosphate, alkyl sorbitanphosphate, alkyl methyl glucoside phosphate, alkyl sucrose phosphates.The impurities in these phosphates may induce a burning sensationImpurities may include dodecanol, dodecanal, benzaldehyde, and otherTRPA1 or TRPV1 agonists.

Cationic surfactants useful in the present invention can includederivatives of quaternary ammonium compounds having one long alkyl chaincontaining from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, coconutalkyltrimethylammonium nitrite, cetyl pyridinium fluoride, etc.Quaternary ammonium halides having detergent properties can be used,such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,421 to Briner et al.Certain cationic surfactants can also act as germicides in thecompositions disclosed herein.

Anti-tartar agents include pyrophosphate salts as a source ofpyrophosphate ion. The pyrophosphate salts useful in the presentcompositions include, for example, the mono-, di- and tetraalkali metalpyrophosphate salts and combinations thereof. Disodium dihydrogenpyrophosphate (Na2H2P2O7), sodium acid pyrophosphate, tetrasodiumpyrophosphate (Na4P2O7), and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (K4P2O7) intheir unhydrated as well as hydrated forms are further species. Incompositions of the present invention, the pyrophosphate salt may bepresent in one of three ways: predominately dissolved, predominatelyundissolved, or a combination of dissolved and undissolvedpyrophosphate. The amount of pyrophosphate salt useful in making thesecompositions is any tartar control effective amount. In varyingexamples, the amount of pyrophosphate salt may be from about 1.5% toabout 15%, from about 2% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 8%, by totalweight of the oral care composition.

Abrasive polishing material can be any material that does notexcessively abrade dentin. The oral care compositions can containabrasive polishing material in an amount of from about 6% to about 70%or from about 10% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition.Typical abrasive polishing materials include silicas including gels andprecipitates; aluminas; phosphates including orthophosphates,polymetaphosphates, and pyrophosphates; and mixtures thereof. Specificexamples include dicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calciumpyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate,insoluble sodium polymetaphosphate, rice hull silica, hydrated alumina,beta calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, and resinous abrasivematerials such as particulate condensation products of urea andformaldehyde, and others such as disclosed by Cooley et al in U.S. Pat.No. 3,070,510. In certain examples, if the oral composition orparticular phase comprises a polyphosphate having an average chainlength of about 4 or more, calcium containing abrasives and alumina arenot preferred abrasives.

Silica dental abrasives of various types are often used in oral carecompositions due to their exceptional dental cleaning and polishingperformance without unduly abrading tooth enamel or dentine. Silicaabrasive polishing materials that may be used in the present invention,as well as other abrasives, generally have an average particle sizeranging between about 0.1 to about 30 μm or from about 5 to about 15 μm.The abrasive can be precipitated silica or silica gels such as thesilica xerogels described in Pader et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,230 andDiGiulio, U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,307. Silica xerogels marketed under thetrade name “Syloid” by the W.R. Grace & Company, Davison ChemicalDivision, Augusta, Ga. may be used. Also precipitated silica materialssuch as those marketed by the J. M. Huber Corporation, Edison, N.J.under the trade name, “Zeodent”, particularly the silica carrying thedesignation “Zeodent 119”, may be used. The types of silica dentalabrasives useful in the oral care compositions of the present inventionare described in more detail in Wason, U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,583; and RiceU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,589,160; 5,603,920; 5,651,958; 5,658,553; and5,716,601.

Thickening material or binders may be used to provide a desirableconsistency to the oral care compositions of the present invention. Forexample when the oral care compositions are in the form of dentifrices,topical oral gels, mouthrinse, denture product, mouthsprays, lozenges,oral tablets or chewing gums, the amount and type of the thickeningmaterial will depend upon the form of the product. Thickening materialsinclude carboxyvinyl polymers, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, andwater soluble salts of cellulose ethers such as sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose and sodium hydroxyethyl cellulose. Natural gumssuch as gum karaya, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and gum tragacanth can alsobe used. Colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate or finely divided silicacan be used as part of the thickening material to further improvetexture. Thickening materials can be used in an amount from about 0.1%to about 15%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Humectants keep oral care compositions from hardening upon exposure toair and certain humectants can also impart desirable sweetness of flavorto dentifrice compositions. Suitable humectants for use in the presentinvention include glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, xylitol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols. The oral carecompositions of the present invention may comprise humectants in anamount of from about 0% to about 70% or from about 15% to about 55%, byweight of the oral care composition.

Assay for Taste Receptors

Human fungiform taste bud cells were isolated from tongues of humans asdescribed in Ozdener, Mehmet, and Nancy Rawson. “Primary Culture ofMammalian Taste Epithelium.” Methods in Molecular Biology; 2013; 945:95-107.

Then the cells were further cultured according to the followingprocedure. The cells were grown in a Corning® cell culture flask, with asurface area of 75 cm², a canted neck, and a 0.2 μm Vent cap(Catalog#430641, available from VWR International, Bridgeport, N.J.,USA) at 37° C. using a growth medium containing 500 mL of Iscove'sModified Dulbecco's Media (IMDM), 100 mL of Ham's F12 Nutrient Mixture,60 mL Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), and 150 μg/mL Penicillin-Streptomycincocktail (all growth media components available from Life Technologies,Grand Island, N.Y., USA).

After the cells reach 80-90% confluence, which generally takes aboutseven days of cultivation, the cells were released by adding 3 mL ofGibco® Trypsin-EDTA (0.05%) solution (available from Life Technologies)at 37° C. in couple of minutes, followed by adding 12 mL of cell growthmedium to deactivate trypsin. Then the cells were diluted in the growthmedium at approximately 250,000 cells/mL. Next, 100 μl volume of cellsuspension containing 20,000 to 30,000 cells were seeded into each wellof a Falcon® 96 Well Black with Clear Flat Bottom TC-Treated ImagingPlate (REF #353219, available from VWR International, Bridgeport, N.J.,USA) and the cells are grown overnight.

After the overnight cultivation, the cell culture media was removed byaspiration. Then, 100 μL of Calcium-6QF solution was added to each well.The Calcium-6QF solution was made by dissolving the contents of one vialof Calcium-6QF (available from Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.,USA) in 20 mL of assay buffer, which contains Hank's Balanced SaltSolution (HBSS) with 20 mM HEPES(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) (both componentsare available from Life Technologies). The plate was then incubated at37° C. for 105 min and at room temperature for 15 min. Then the 96-wellplate is placed in a FLIPR® Tetra High Throughput Cellular ScreeningSystem (available from Molecular Devices) and 20 μL of working solution,as described below, are added to each well. The fluorescence signal wasread continuously for 5 min, where the excitation and emission wavelengths used were 488 nM and 510 nM respectively. The peak value and/orarea under the curve after five minutes was calculated and recorded.

In order to form the working solution, the test material was dilutedwith the assay buffer. Examples of test materials can include, but arenot limited to GG solutions, PG solutions, 1,3-PPD solutions, fullformulations such as those in Example 4 and 5, and combinations thereof.The amount of assay buffer varies depending on the desired finalconcentration, which occurs when the test material is in the wells. Forexample, if the test material is GG, it can be desirable to have a finalconcentration of 2 mM. Thus, a 12 mM working solution is made and whenit is added to the wells, the concentration is further reduced to afinal concentration of 2 mM. In another example, in order to make aworking solution for Examples 4 and 5, and other full formulations, 1 mLof the example is added to 27 mL of assay buffer to form the workingsolution and then it is added to the wells for an overall reduction of162 fold.

While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointingand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that embodimentsof the present invention will be better understood from thisdescription. In all embodiments of the present invention, all weightpercentages are by weight of the total composition, unless specificallystated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specificallystated otherwise. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The number ofsignificant digits conveys neither limitation on the indicated amountsnor on the accuracy of the measurements. All measurements are understoodto be made at 25° C. and at ambient conditions, where “ambientconditions” means conditions under about one atmosphere of pressure andat about 50% relative humidity. All such weights as they pertain tolisted ingredients are based on the active level and do not includecarriers or by-products that may be included in commercially availablematerials, unless otherwise specified.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition with reduced bitterness comprisinga polyquaternium selected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, and combinations thereof.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the composition is selected from thegroup consisting of bitter foods, bitter beverages, and combinationsthereof.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitterness isreduced by at least about 25% as compared to an identical compositionwithout the polyquaternium as determined by the in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitternessis reduced by at least about 40% as compared to an identical compositionwithout the polyquaternium as determined by the in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitternessis less than about 7000 fluorescence units as determined by the in vitroAssay for Taste Receptors.
 6. The oral care composition of claim 1wherein an overall bitterness is less than about 5000 fluorescence unitsas determined by the in vitro Assay for Taste Receptors.
 7. Acomposition with reduced bitterness comprising: a. a polyquaterniumselected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, and combinations thereof; and b. abitter component selected from the group consisting of Hops,guaifenesin, phenytoin, omeprazole, cetirizine, jambu, acetaminophen,methyl formyl anthranilate, 2-aminoacetophenone, methyl anthranilate,dimethyl anthranilate, beta-terpineol, beta-naphthyl anthranilate, andbenzoyl anthranilic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline, saccharin, and propyleneglycol, benzamide, brucine, 1,10-phenanthroline, and combinationsthereof.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition isselected from the group consisting of bitter foods, bitter beverages,medications, oral care compositions, and combinations thereof.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitterness is reduced by atleast about 25% as compared to an identical composition without thepolyquaternium as determined by the in vitro Assay for Taste Receptors.10. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitterness is reducedby at least about 40% as compared to an identical composition withoutthe polyquaternium as determined by the in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors.
 11. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitternessis reduced by at least about 40% as compared to an identical compositionwithout the polyquaternium as determined by the in vitro Assay for TasteReceptors.
 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein an overall bitternessis less than about 7000 fluorescence units as determined by the in vitroAssay for Taste Receptors.
 13. The oral care composition of claim 1wherein an overall bitterness is less than about 5000 fluorescence unitsas determined by the in vitro Assay for Taste Receptors.